101 Ways to happiness - #19 Healing smile
Everybody heard the saying, that laughter is a half of health. I watched a TV episode about it once (sorry because I forget where), that scientist, who have tackled the phenomenon of laughter, are increasingly finding that it is true. But are we laughing at these serious times enough?
Smiling is a natural physiological response that we can't control and we all well know, that laughter is very contagious. We even laugh in circumstances that are not necessarily related to humor - intentionally or unintentionally - doesn't matter. Whatever the reason, we all know, that laughter is something we all enjoy.
Observing my girls, and other kids I see, that children laugh more than adults. They smile at things, that for adults are not funny at all, but we still enjoy spending more time in their company.
Not only, that the laugh release the positive emotions through the body, but it also establishes a better social connection between people.Unfortunately, we laugh less, than we used to.
About the healing power of a smile, a lot of studies were made. But generally, they found out, that laughter relaxes the body with natural hormones called "endorphins", which reduces pain and after that the muscles stay relaxed for a longer period of time. Smiling can even charge our brain and reduces stress, that your body and mind feel on a daily basis.
Apparently, also the organism has more defensive power with every laugh. So, when you will next time "dying from laughter" just know, that your body is at that time producing more natural defense cells and immunoglobins, which will make your immune system much stronger. Also think about the fact, that your body cells should be supplied with Oxygen to function. So the laughter will make you to breath deeply and you will, while having fun, simultanusly improve the air exchange in the body.
"Long story short I can just say, that smiling is definitely more, than just a contraction of muscles in your face. So try to smile to anyone, that you will meet today and observe her/his expression. I think you will see the difference - in him and in you..."
Have a great and smiling Monday! :D
The healing power of a smile,
Wow nice..
useful post thanks for sharing
Thank you!
thanks for sharing 101 Ways to happiness, i like your all post,
@followed and upvoted
did you know you can lose your ability to smile or laugh from not doing it? The muscles atrophy and one would have to on purpose smile - which would feel awkward at first - and learn to laugh again.
Smiling and laughing is important to our wellness.
O really? That one I never heard before. Fortunately, for now, I laugh almost every day... :) Hope it stays that way.
excellent story! thanks for sharing